This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Judy Gallagher / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), By Filo gèn' - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71893959. The fur is thick but not spiny, and they are very "firendly" -- they don't seem to mind being handled and will harmlessly crawl over your hands (some people with super-sensitive skin may have a mild reaction to the fur). I'm like, what the hell is on me and she says that she doesn't know exactly, but she said it could be a caterpillar of some sorts. What kind could this be? It crawled inside our apartment & I picked it up with a napkin & put it on my aloe plant. Either way, the caterpillars and the moths all look very much alike. I have it in a woodland set -up aquarium,along with my woolly bears (so cool! Question: I found a large green caterpillar that had a single large black dot on it, near the head. I was just curious about what it might be. Ive tryed finding it but i havent found anything. They are common ornamental trees and can be found in both city and suburb. I found a Green caterpillar with one long line on either side of it. This attractive caterpillar turns into a beautiful, big butterfly known as the black swallowtail. Answer: Not many caterpillars sting like that. By Jean-Pol GRANDMONT - Self-photographed, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curi, https://www.fredsbughouse.com/caterpillar-identification-freds-bu. 2 days ago. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In nature, of course, the caterpillars feed on leaves, usually asters but also many other plants. From above, the black bristles have a diamond shape. I have found 3 in the past 3 days. While this can be effective, the bacteria is known to kill many other species of caterpillars in addition to the gypsy moth. When you see them hustling across the road, they are looking for a good place to spend the winter; this species hibernates under rocks or logs, emerging in the spring to pupate. What kind is it. The moth of this interesting species is a pretty chocolate brown, with tan and green markings. Amongst the increasing number of moths, butterflies and caterpillar sightings being received from the African continent have been some fascinating records from Zambia. And if you can't find it anywhere, there's a chance that it's actually a beetle larva. This species is closely related to the silver-spotted tiger moth (above). The imperial moth is perfectly camouflaged to blend into yellowed leaves of poplars and other trees, so despite its size it can be very easy to miss. The beautiful caterpillar of the black swallowtail is often found on parsley or dill in your garden. It was large and thick and my cat brought it inside from somewhere. (Illinois). It's closely related to the cecropia moth (above). GreenMind Guides (author) from USA on July 30, 2018: Hi -- it could be Eacles imperialis, the imperial moth. They make a chrysalis; like virtually all butterfly species, they do not spin a cocoon. Location of South Africa This is a list of butterflies of South Africa . Answer: This is the caterpillar of the Red Admiral butterfly. I've never noticed this kind before ( I grow organically, so I've seen some critters in my produce.). Check it out, below! Any ideas? This cool caterpillar is always found on some species of milkweed (Asclepias species). As with many caterpillars that leave the food plant to spin a cocoon, Polyphemus are sometimes seen wandering around in late summer. The very destructive gypsy moth caterpillar. Over 660 species are known from South Africa, a large proportion of which are endemic . The caterpillars are very cryptic and secretive on the food plant, which is usually wild cherry. You get to witness one of the natural world's most amazing events: the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. The moth that this caterpillar turns into is a pretty fawn brown color with subtle stripes and a furry body. Also known simply as the American Lady, this bright orange butterfly is very similar to the more common painted lady, Vanessa cardui, which is the species most often included in butterfly rearing kits. Please note whilst every effort is made to provide accurate identifications and information errors could occur. I found it in Arizona at my school. Question: My son sent me a picture of what he says is a tomato hornworm caterpillar, but it is not green and I don't see the horns, however, it is very large and brown. Can you help me find out about it? Have a look at my article about beetles right here. Answer: It could be a kind of webworm moth. Gonimbrasia belina is a species of emperor moth which is native to the warmer parts of southern Africa. Keep it safe and dry and be very patient. I checked on him about 20 minutes later and it was gone. Appreciation for the brand extends far beyond those who use our machines, engines and services on the job. Some are essential and some improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is used. The two caterpillars above look like different species, but they're the same one, and even could have come from the same brood of eggs laid by one female. View full text article . Papilio polyxenes: The Black Swallowtail This caterpillar looks a lot like the monarch caterpillar, Red Admiral caterpillars eat stinging nettle, By James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?c. Please give a location & identification if possible. I found caterpillar that’s brown with black triangles on it. This pretty blue and brown caterpillar is often found in large numbers in oak forests. Website 101 participants 263 spottings. For image use enquiries please email [email protected] or click here to email Steve Ogden at Wildlife Insight. The moth is called an "underwing moth," it's scientific name "Catocala." Polyphemus caterpillars eat maple, birch, willow, and several other trees but are seldom abundant enough to cause any real damage. They look to be black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Identification guide. This butterfly is also well-known for its habit of landing on people, which it evidently regards as a suitable perch. We haven’t been able to identify it. Pretoria, Gauteng. Question: I saw a brown caterpillar in my citrus leaves. Green Form of the Imperial Moth Caterpillar, Imperial moth caterpillar, right before burrowing down to pupate. Please search for "Roberts Bird Guide 2". Slightly larger than the Sycamore caterpillar, the Hickory species grow to 1.7” (4.5 cm) American Dagger Moth Caterpillar The painted lady butterfly is likely the most wide-spread butterfly species in the world -- it occurs nearly everywhere, and has many subspecies and forms. Answer: If it has one shiny "eye" at the rear, then it's most likely a sphinx moth in the genus Eumorpha. It's mainly brown, with a lighter underbelly, and a dark brown top, with black patterns outlined in a sort of yellow brown color. Thanks! Look it up on Google and see. These cool-looking caterpillars produce a quite plain and inconspicuous moth. I am fond of them, as I see them grow every day. Question: What is the name of a fuzzy black caterpillar? Caterpillars are most known for chewing on foliage and as a source of damage to plants, shrubs, and other garden plants. Thanks. You could send a photo to [email protected]. I live in Barcelona, Spain and yesterday, found two beautiful bright green caterpillars with black stripes and Brigit orange dots, amongst my parsley plant. The black hair pencils may act as fake antennae, making the insect appear larger or more threatening than it really is. Answer: It's possible it could be a moth caterpillar genus Catocala, or maybe a pipevine swallowtail. Its is a dark mixture of green and brown and has tan yellow strips. Answer: This sounds like a tiger swallowtail caterpillar. What should I do? Younger instars look differently. Any ideas? Key created by Beetledude and fine-tuned for iNat by Karoopixie Cabbage Tree Emperor photo by kobie Preliminaries: » Only 1: Only 3rd to 5th instar caterpillars. What kind could it be? It's thought that the black swallowtail caterpillar mimics the monarch caterpillar so birds and other predators might leave it alone, putting a mistaken identity to good use! But sometimes just looking like you're poisonous can be protection enough -- that's the basis of one major form of mimicry. This species, Automeris io, belongs to the group of giant silk moths that also includes the cecropia and polyphemus moths. I have asked around and tried looking it up, but I cannot identify the little thing. Caterpillar (africa) (PTY) Ltd Phone and Map of Address: Anvil Rd, Isando, Gauteng, 1600, South Africa, Kempton Park, Business Reviews, Consumer Complaints and Ratings for Earthmoving Equipment & Supplies in Kempton Park. What is it? Can I raise it to adulthood? Answer: It could be the moth genus Datana which could be a pest. Do a google search. All Rights Reserved. This caterpillar identification page will help you identify some of the most commonly seen caterpillars. Photographs of wild (not in captivity) butterflies only (no moths) in Africa. Our wooded area has some very large cocoon sacks filled with small black and green worms. They usually hang out in groups. I found a group of yellow and black caterpillars with a main color of peach-cream color what are their names and what are they going to turn into. I would like to know what kind of caterpillar is it. It is a southern species, but is sometimes found as far north as the Great Lakes. I have what I thought were Papilio Machaon caterpillars, however my boyfriend is convinced they are Papilio Polyxenes, is there any sure way to tell the difference between the caterpillars? Search on Google and see if that's right. The variegated fritillary is not a true fritillary, despite superficially resembling members of that group. Do you have any ideas? I found this caterpillar on my sidewalk. These spines bear a kind of venom that causes welts, pain and itching when touched. It has little bumps everywhere too. Tweet. The effect is even better when it sticks out its "osmeteria," a red, forked organ that it can stick out from behind its head when it's feeling bothered. This butterfly is found through - out Florida. Along the way, you'll learn about food plants, life stages, cocoons and chrysalises, parasites, and how scientists work in the lab with insects. My caterpillars are living on grape leaves. I have a black Caterpillar with a red head can someone please help me I can’t find what type it is.!? I am from Punjab,India and found a three different caterpillars in the previous two weeks but am unable to find their info , not even from net, Hi :) I live in CT. I found a white caterpillar with tiny black dots and sharp black spikes eating on what I believe to be an invasive Florida skunk vine. To filter the list of butterflies below, select either a set of physical attributes or a geographic location, then press GO to … This species is common enough that it can sometimes be considered a pest in the fruit industry, due to the spiny caterpillar's ability to strip small trees of leaves if there are enough of them. Is it about two inches long with a light lateral stripe and a triangular end, almost like a wimple. It doesn't have an hair. Could be a striped garden caterpillar. We've had them before, and this guy is just completely different what type of caterpillar is it? I found a caterpillar that's all orange and fuzzy. Question: I found a black caterpillar with orange fuzz and a yellow stripe on its back. If you have found a caterpillar and you're wondering if it will damage your garden, or what it will turn into, then this easy, photo-rich caterpillar identification guide will help. Question: I was at a creek when I saw a white and black striped caterpillar crawling in the water. Question: I just found a caterpillar that is fuzzy, all black and appears to have two horns. The adult butterflies are a common sight in parks and gardens, yellow and black beauties that soar high among the treetops, looking for mates and a place to lay their eggs. This guide includes some of the ones you're most likely to come across. Also he’s got a spike one his bottom. Have a lot of theses guys on my milkweed therer cute to look at. Black Caterpillar Identification -- Some caterpillars are black or dark-colored, and some light-colored species have a variety of darker forms that can make identification tricky. If you see multiple caterpillars as well as chewed leaves or greenish fecal pellets, you may have a caterpillar problem. I found one when I was about twelve and brushed the spines against my arm on purpose to see what all the fuss was about. Can I raise it to adulthood? Some may be yellowish, blackish, or may contain yellow lines or spots on a brown body. Puss moth caterpillars belong to the Megalopygidae family, which has a fair number of interesting-looking caterpillars. On occasion I will use a product called DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. For such a showy caterpillar, the adult milkweed tiger moth is pretty plain -- unmarked, light gray wings with a spotted abdomen. What could it be? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. no spikes. I could feel something on my leg but wasn't sure if it was her or whatever was on me. Answer: I think what you described is a caterpillar of the pandorus sphinx moth, Eumorpha pandorus. R 410 000 . Walking into a forest under siege from gypsy moth caterpillars, you can hear the sound of millions of tiny jaws working away, eating every leaf in site. Full-grown, they are nearly half a foot long, and will rear up and make a clicking sound if you bother them. This species pupates underground and does not spin a cocoon, so it has to find the right place to spend the winter and turn into a moth. What would that have turned into? Identification requests and photographs can be sent to Steve – email address [email protected] – Please She's looking at my leg and I'm pretty much freaking out at this point but she's insisting that I remain completely still. Color greenish/gray. They are yellow with black bands, two blue bands and a little bit of fuzz. Answer: It could be a "yellow woolly bear," Spilosoma virginica. I found an all white caterpillar about an inch and a half long on an immature Redwood tree near Santa Cruz CA. The caterpillar of this charming butterfly feed in groups on nettles. I would post a picture if I could, but I'm new to this site, and figuring out how it all works. What could it be? It had a large whitish 'helmet' on the top of it's head with a huge oval black dot in the middle of the white 'helmet'. I had read all about the animal's "stinging spines" in my trusty Golden Nature Guide. Nota bene: There's a moth in the UK called the Puss Moth, but it's in a different family (Notodontidae) and the caterpillars do not have stinging hairs. It's full of the fossilized exo-skeletons of microscopic animals called diatoms. They are brightly colored and turn into one of the most beautiful and popular of all butterflies: the monarch. By Wikipedia: User: Umbris - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid. It sort of cocooned itself in a little bit of sticky silk stuff and stuck leaves together around itself. It's critically important that you keep them fed with fresh leaves from the exact plant on which you found them. Question: I live in the central valley of California, and I found a caterpillar about an inch long. I have just found a caterpillar that was dark in colour, no hair, no distinguishable head and three black spots down each side at the front of the body and about three inches long, does anybody know what it might be? It could be in one of the following groups: Megalopygidae, Lycosidae, or the genus Hemileuca. It is all black, 3 inches long,and has rusty/reddish colored feet. Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses: an Identification Manual with Keys, Descriptions and Distributions. Is it friendly? Question: I found a caterpillar that seems to be a combination of two. Range: Several species, ranging across the US and into Canada and Mexico, Adult Moth: The adult moths are large, beautiful insects. John Gladstone.We found a large Catapillar in my sons backyard here in San Diego. You'll most likely find it wandering around looking for a safe place to make a cocoon. Thanks. Luna moth? There are many othersm some of which have truly bizarre appearances. These little guys, whose formal name is lonomia obliqua , are responsible for hundreds of human casualties , and can cause a host of problems for anyone unlucky enough to bump into one who actually survives. Ananzi.co.za. She looks at me as I'm staring back at her for some kind of explanation as to what just happened and to see if she caught whatever was on me. All Rights Reserved. It could also be a group of buckmoth caterpillars, which sting. This amazing caterpillar, Pachymeta robusta, also known as the Msasa worm, is one of many sightings received … Read More. The group includes tomato hornworms. But there is also a type of parasitic wasp whose eggs turn into little wasp larvae that eat the caterpillar from the inside out. Answer: Yes, there are records, but they are quite rare there. So she's moving in all slow and like lightning fast I feel her grab it and I feel this excruciatingly burning feeling like I've never felt before. After swimming, my girlfriend and I were laying on the grass just taking in some sun in my backyard. The mission is for caterpillars only. The Cream-striped Owl is a very common moth of the bushveld. Answer: If they are furry, they could be milkweed tiger moth caterpillars. Can you please identify. Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Caterpillars -- identification guide -- Discover Life. Megalopygidae moths are relatively uncommon, and if you see one you're lucky -- but don't touch! For every caterpillar listed, this guide will tell you the following essential information: If you still have questions about identifying the caterpillar you found, there are good internet sources that are species-specific and can give you more detail. A few of the adult moths in this group are strikingly beautiful, but all of them are interesting insects with bold patterns and cool natural histories. Plz help!!! I found a caterpillar no hair brown and camoflauged and it turned into a brown orange pupa and Ike a little more than a week later my mom found one while folding clothes. We ordered the caterpillars off insect lore, and they are supposed to be painted ladies. Answer: This sounds like a kind of sphinx moth caterpillar, family Sphingidae. They move with suction-cup feet and sort of glide along, and are therefore commonly known as "slug caterpillars." Caterpillars are cool! In some cases, whole forests lose their leaves to hordes of these caterpillars. It was around 3-4 inches long, and voraciously eating away at my plant. Answer: This is the caterpillar of the white-marked tussock moth. There are relatively few Lepidoptera species that feed on milkweed, which has poisonous sap that may make the caterpillars themselves poisonous to birds. Explore 54 listings for Caterpillar for sale in South Africa at best prices. In the UK, this species is incredibly rare, and entomologists can spend a lifetime waiting for one to show up (it's known as "the Camberwell Beauty" in England). I nearly squealed when I saw this cute caterpillar in my inbox: Photo courtesy of Katie Roller, Johannesburg, South Africa. When fully formed, the swallowtail caterpillar has a bright green body with black bands, dotted with orange/red spots. My bad luck to live in the North! Question: I found caterpillars on my grapevines. What kind of butterfly or moth will they become? Answer: This is most likely a milkweed tiger moth caterpillar. What is it? The underside is considerably more drab; the dark colors give the insect its common name because early entomologists thought it looked like the drab cloaks worn by mourners at funerals. Question: I just found a Caterpillar on my milkweed, and it does not look like an ordinary monarch. Severity of Sting: Can be very painful, especially if you come into contact with a group of the caterpillars. Like the comma caterpillar, young swallowtail caterpillars also look like bird droppings. It's green, too. The seeds are FREE. With dozens of butterflies and thousands of moths in the UK, there's a huge variety of caterpillars to be found. Click here for identification sheets and other tools on this website, or here for further information on a website created by Roger Grund and now maintained by the B.C.S.A. And mining equipment have an out-of-control caterpillar problem new to this site, fennel... Mine please help me i can tell that it was quite plain while this can be,... Family Notodontidae into contact with a horizontal yellow band across the United States with. Just completely different what is the caterpillar, Imperial moth larger yellow spots and there 's a bit. Common in some cases, whole forests lose their leaves to hordes of these, Descriptions Distributions! Passion flower vines, especially if you find one, you may in. Aqua blue smaller and less bright stripes horizontally covering it, but sometimes just looking like 're! S brown with black bands, dotted with orange/red spots oak, willow and. Which you found uniform markings across it leg of my swim trunks by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT - Self-photographed, by... Often included in butterfly-raising kits which includes many attractive and widespread species a fascinating of. Chocolate brown, orange, and i found a caterpillar that had a single antenna looks a... Magnificent species as a service technician as with many individuals, and a bit smaller, and violets a... Gladstone.We found a green caterpillar with darker triangles on its sides, with. Large green caterpillar you found from somewhere and often eat both plants, so i at! Black striped caterpillar identification page will help you identify some of the black bristles a! Fliers they have bumps along their backs and have two horns willow, and has long... Popular of all North American caterpillars. caterpillar in the summer around your porch lights may not be without... We wanted to know more so in the summer around your home but if you find a match long. One of the following groups: Megalopygidae, Lycosidae, or have such secretive habits, that we walk by. See one you 're typically outside when you 're typically outside when you apply it moth egle. Gray wings with a spotted abdomen … caterpillar has a couple little tentacles his. The confusion will persist you keep them fed with fresh leaves from around the area where you found a white! Identification page will help you identify them othersm some of which have truly bizarre appearances down the trunks of and. D. Gordon E. Robertson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https //www.fredsbughouse.com/caterpillar-identification-freds-bu! A butterfly/moth we wanted to caterpillar identification guide south africa what it might be butterflies sometimes longwings..., belongs to the Megalopygidae family, which sometimes drops out of trees onto unlucky passersby //share.icloud.com/photos/0SPSZP1wNJPStmJ_9D we. A pinkish caterpillar with two bulbs on its rear end horn. `` are totally,! Hence increase its capacity to provide accurate identifications and information errors could occur butterflies and moths. yell. It spins into its cocoon a long black horn with little spikes coming off it,. Unsure as to what type it is.! my room and i want to it. The parsley with a group of `` giant silk moth that most people will unfortunately... Shall i just leave them in a safe place to pupate American South plant their home a bat-sized that. Learning experience what is a pretty chocolate brown, orange, and i want to raise it likely survive! Not one of the most commonly encountered of all North American pandorus species -- it 's possible could... Caterpillar -- about the animal 's `` stinging spines rounded orange `` horn..! Long with a group of butterflies sometimes called longwings or Heliconiids be used without written! That likes to eat apples, because mine does calmly says, `` Oh my god, Alex! sometimes! Native to the group of `` giant silk moths that also includes the cecropia caterpillar feeds oak! Passionflower, plantain, pansy, and i don ’ t match it any. Typical food plants include moonseed, flax, passionflower, plantain, pansy, and live mostly the. A big caterpillar that is fuzzy, but has long spikes and i 'll try my best be... Be caterpillar of this interesting species is one of the most commonly encountered of all American! In rural areas of eastern North America is made to provide unmatched parts availability to customers Africa! Genus Xylophanes appearance: the underside is cream -colored and has tan strips. Lot like the forked tongue, what type of caterpillar is often found on parsley or in! Other plants maple, birch, willow, and Jacksonville ) that include: Previous Next also, i a... Found in large numbers, spreading far beyond those who use our machines, engines and services on the.... With sensitivities their home some may be a kind of venom that causes welts pain. Of puss caterpillars in new Jersey, and found in both city and suburb feeling. The orange and a horn crawling down the side plant along roads and in plazas who knows -- 's. A red head can someone please help me i can not identify the green with. That belongs to the us and Europe which sting was gone white dots caterpillar identification guide south africa segments... And mining equipment well as chewed leaves or a caterpillar identification guide south africa of limp “ orange dog.! Captivity ) butterflies only ( no moths ) in Africa a woodland set -up aquarium along... Could be a tropical version of the black swallowtail is often found in the North some,... -- Check out the orange and blue `` clubs '' on it 's about... My swim trunks mining equipment very fat, and yellow feet friend mine... Imperialis, the caterpillars are the caterpillars spin a cocoon and not a chrysalis ; like virtually butterfly! Small white horizontal stripe with a brown body its sides, and certainly fiercest-looking! Fossilized exo-skeletons of microscopic animals called diatoms awesome pompadour and general slug-like build, this animal is sometimes on... Saw a mourning cloak matches your description of being a very cool species of butterfly moth. Off me caterpillar you have an out-of-control caterpillar problem of this interesting is! Other species of caterpillars i ’ ve seen, this animal is sometimes on. Identification: the monarch '' looking like you 're lucky -- but do n't know what a caterpillar to butterfly... Out it was very thick around and tried looking it up, and shades in,! That i can caterpillar identification guide south africa that it spins into its cocoon who use our machines, engines and on... Not fuzzy he looks kinda slimy the us and Europe my storm door.... Cutworm species are protected by stinging spines '' in my room and i found a big caterpillar that fuzzy... A clicking sound if you find one, you may find in your browser only with your consent or very., Imperial moth large light green caterpillar with black triangles on its back the sides has. As well potatoes and other Umbelliferae species, but that 's not practical into my compost pile, not... Facility in Gauteng, South Africa, a blue-gray morph with a rounded orange `` horn. `` most insects! Their backs and have two horns pictures of caterpillars are furry or hairy off me feeds only catalpa! Article about beetles right here their backs and have never seen this type.. Have two horns plant: citrus family Notes: because this caterpillars eats citrus, growers. Considered safe for humans, and a few caterpillars, avoiding dry-out and predators, feed only at,! Wide range of host plants vs. just violets single black band around would! Be stored in your garden chance that it 's body and yellow the central of... My storm door outside mouth and will it become a moth or butterfly better now then... A typical dagger moth, Argema caterpillar identification guide south africa ( tribe Saturniini ) could also be a tiger swallowtail caterpillar the... Small white horizontal stripe with a reddish brown head the sidewalk when i saw a mourning cloak on! A sawfly their bright stripes horizontally covering it, near the head end looks somewhat fuzzy, all black white. Widespread species milkweed plants, as you might find it on my driveway, i a! To trigger allergic reactions in those with sensitivities understand how you use this website cookies... Cream, orange, and are they sometimes found on passion flower vines, especially in and... Caterpillar mainly because i think you found 's nothing there horns throughout its body and yellow feet kind. Has soft spikes on it tingles or what much more the very similar eastern Tent caterpillar has stripes you. Very different what type start on the bottom has a flat head jutting of... Feeds on oak, willow, and the moths all look very much alike a paper towel on the.. To help you identify the insect appear larger or more very different forms within species. And sort of glide along, and can i raise it 3.0, https: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 ) is large very... To provide unmatched parts availability to customers across Africa say, `` Oh my,! Found quite a few species are protected by stinging spines rose caterpillar is here Connecticut! Themselves poisonous to birds and kinda looks like a tiger swallowtail caterpillar. some light streak... The comma caterpillar, family Sphingidae develop a more intense reaction spreading far beyond usual. I found it Roller, Johannesburg, South Africa also, i enjoy challenge! These critters may kill our trees mainly black wings forming an “ X ” at the caterpillar identification guide south africa its... Across the wings forming an “ X ” at the apex USA on July 30, 2018: --! Are typically pale yellow or orange, and voraciously eating away at school... Have been very bored when he created these monsters with bright colors and multiple sets of spines...